Application Process:
Audeliss Executive Search is managing this vacancy on behalf of Ofcom.
To apply for the position or for more information, please send a copy of your CV to applications@audeliss.com quoting reference ‘Ofcom Finance Director 24/25’.
Please note that applications for this role will close on Friday 7th February.
About Ofcom:
Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.
Our culture is clear – we live by our values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how we work to deliver our purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusive and innovative culture at Ofcom.
We focus not only on what we do, but how we do it. We pride ourselves on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.
About the team you’ll be part of:
The Finance Director leads the finance, commercial and risk teams at Ofcom (48 people in total) and is a trusted advisor to the Board, Chairman, Chief Executive and Group Directors. You will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and sit on the Policy Management Board.
You will also be an integral part of the Corporate Group management team, providing support and cover for the COO as necessary.
Key responsibilities:
You will be responsible for Ofcom’s financial and commercial strategies and operations. As a senior leader, you will also be responsible for developing and retaining key talent within the team while acting as a champion of change, encouraging an environment that values excellence, collaboration, agility, respect and empowerment.
Finance, Funding and Commercial
* Financial stewardship of the business, working closely with Board, CEO and Group Directors and in line with Managing Public Money guidelines as appropriate
* Design, drive and deliver financial planning, partnering and reporting approach as part of the wider strategic planning process
* Accountability for the required statutory financial control and reporting, including annual report and accounts
* Develop the finance strategy to improve efficiency and effectiveness
* Lead negotiations with DSIT and HMT for setting the spending cap
* Responsibility for the tariffs and fees regime from stakeholders
* Management of all relevant external relationships with finance stakeholders
* Accountability for commercial & procurement function, ensuring robust processes and value for money
* Trustee of Ofcom’s Feeder Trust for two closed defined benefit pension schemes
Risk and Audit and Health & Safety
* Accountability for the risk, corporate security, health and safety function and Ofcom's environmental management system, driving the risk management culture throughout the organisation, ensuring a robust risk management framework
* Build effective relationship with the Chair of Risk & Audit
* Responsibility for internal audit (outsourced) and risk management systems and for relationship with external auditors (NAO)
* Chair the Security Committee, ensuring the organisation has robust framework to manage its security challenges
* Chair the Health & Safety committee, ensuring arrangements are robust
Leadership
* Lead and manage teams across finance, commercial and risk, providing leadership and direction
* Develop a highly skilled, effective and motivated team, with a focus on career development and succession planning
* Drive process improvements by identifying and leveraging best practice internally and externally
* Act as a trusted advisor, and build and maintain relationships with colleagues and leaders to develop a clear understanding of business needs
* Ensure cost-effective delivery of financial and commercial services to meet those needs
* Play a lead strategic role in Corporate Group, building close partnerships with directors in People & Culture, ICT and Data to ensure a collaborative culture and approach
The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success:
* Proven, relevant experience in a senior finance leadership role in a complex environment
* Public sector finance experience is essential
* Understanding of the role of a regulator
* Proven ability to demonstrate a high degree of awareness of political sensitivities, agility, discretion and diplomacy, safeguarding Ofcom’s reputation for sound financial management
* Strong ability to rapidly build respect and trust with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including government
* Ability to operate in a fast paced, high-pressure environment, delegating across the team appropriately
* Evidence of a proactive and strategic working style, thinking ahead to anticipate and being agile in how to manage issues effectively
* Ability to drive organisational change and build capabilities that effectively balance the needs between continuously exploiting capabilities to optimize operational efficiency and delivering innovative and agile finance solutions to enable the business
Qualifications:
* Qualified accountant, with membership of a professional body and with considerable post qualification experience at a senior or director level
At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment in order to truly reflect the society we represent.
Where positions are listed as full time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment. We warmly welcome applications from candidate returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.
As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about the scheme here.
If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.